It is not one of the 108 Divya Desams, so sanctified in Vaishnavite scriptures, but Guruvayur is most sacred and special for many devotees of the blue-hued God. That He is a child adds charm to the image, anything about the deity being lapped up. Consider, Udayastamana puja at this temple has been booked for the next 35 years. Such is the magnetic pull of the smiling Sri Krishna, a diminutive figure, holding his favourite butter in one of the four arms, the other three sporting the conch, Sudarsana and the mace. This golden image adorns the cover of the book. It is not surprising therefore that response to The Hindu ’s colourful volume on the temple was overwhelming necessitating a sequel.
‘Tryst With The Sublime’ is packed with more information on the ancient temple with a chequered history, which is traced. The various rituals that take place with clock work precision are given in detail which couples with pictures convey the mood. The list of daily offerings makes for interesting reading. What made Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri, Poonthanam, Manjula, Vilvamangalam Swamy and Kurooramma special? These might be stories known and read about but a Krishna devotee never tires of revisiting the legend surrounding these names.
It is time Krishnanattom, exclusive to the Guruvayur deity and His worshippers, was taken to the global stage, states an article on this ancient art form. It has already been showcased in Singapore, and was a huge hit. Restoration of the paintings here has revived a vibrant mural art, it is learnt. Veteran mridangam vidwan and vocalist, T.V. Gopalakrishnan, recalls his association with his guru Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, an ardent devotee of Guruvayurappan. An annual music festival is conducted in memory of Chembai. The shrine is the preferred venue for solemnising weddings. Brides recall the aura and atmosphere on the most important day of their calendar.
The visually rich volume, priced at Rs. 120, comes with two attractive posters.
